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The Sweet Story of Faygo: Detroit’s Original Pop

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The Sweet Story of Faygo: Detroit’s Original Pop

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The Sweet Story of Faygo: Detroit’s Original Pop

From humble beginnings to a century-old legacy, Faygo remains a beloved symbol of Detroit's innovation and resilience.

In 1907, two Russian immigrant brothers, Ben and Perry Feigenson, transformed their baking expertise into a beverage empire by founding the Feigenson Brothers Bottling Works in Detroit.

 

Utilizing their cake frosting flavors—strawberry, fruit punch, and grape—they crafted the sodas that would become synonymous with the city.

 

Initially, production was a hands-on affair, with the brothers mixing and bottling each batch manually in a modest facility.

 

Deliveries were made via horse-drawn wagons, reflecting the era's simplicity.

 

As their popularity surged, the cumbersome name "Feigenson Brothers" was shortened to Faygo in 1920, a concise moniker that fit neatly on bottle caps and was easier for customers to remember.

 

Faygo's affordability and bold flavors quickly endeared it to Michiganders.

 

In the 1950s, the catchy jingle "Faygo, Faygo, delicious Faygo!" became a staple on Detroit radio, embedding the brand into the city's cultural fabric.

 

Over the decades, Faygo expanded its repertoire, introducing unique flavors like Redpop and Rock & Rye, further cementing its status as a regional favorite.

 

In 2025, Faygo continued its tradition of innovation by launching two new flavors: Super Pop, inspired by Michigan's iconic Superman ice cream, and Bubble Pop!, a nod to classic bubble gum treats.

 

To celebrate, the company hosted the immersive "House of Faygo" pop-up experience in downtown Detroit, offering fans a taste of these new creations and exclusive merchandise.

 

Despite competition from industry giants, Faygo remains fiercely loyal to its Detroit roots.

 

The company continues to bottle its pop locally, proudly promoting itself as "The One True Original," a testament to the city's creativity and resilience.

 

More than just a beverage, Faygo is a piece of Detroit's identity—a fizzy reminder that innovation and flavor often start right at home.

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Spotlight on the D shines a light on Metro Detroit’s heartbeat — the stories, events, and people that make the Motor City thrive. With a mix of neighborhood news, cultural highlights, and local gems, this newsletter keeps you connected to what’s happening in and around Detroit.

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